WWE SmackDown Results, Highlights, And Grades For July 3, 2018

Credit: WWE.com

Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown will feature a match between Asuka and James Ellsworth, as well as two matches involving champions.

In the main event of WWE SmackDown last week, Daniel Bryan and Kane reunited to form “Team Hell No” again, as Kane saved Bryan from another beatdown at the hands of the Bludgeon Brothers. SmackDown Live GM Paige took advantage of the reunion, scheduling a match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Extreme Rules between the Bludgeon Brothers and Team Hell No.

I’d expect to see Kane and Bryan in action tonight, as WWE will look to take advantage of the momentum that these two legends have together. Team Hell No is one of the most beloved tag teams in the history of pro wrestling, and the reactions from the fanbase last week were tremendous.

Tonight’s episode will also feature a second Open Challenge from United States Champion Jeff Hardy, whose days as champion may be numbered with the likes of Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe potentially closing in on a title for the first time in WWE.

Although Hardy’s opponent isn’t announced, the WWE Champion, AJ Styles, will take on Aiden English ahead of his match against Rusev at Extreme Rules. Styles is the clear favorite here, but could Rusev interfere to cost The Phenomenal One from scoring an expected victory?

Becky Lynch is on a winning streak, and while she was scheduled to face Peyton Royce last week after defeating the other member of the IIconics, Billie Kay, the previous week, she faced Sonya Deville instead. That victory over Sonya has put Becky on a roll, as she also recently beat Charlotte Flair, who was the SmackDown Women’s Champion earlier this year. Lynch will finally take on Royce tonight, and nothing less than a big win for Becky is expected. But that could be WWE’s way of giving us a disheartening swerve.

James Ellsworth has a “date” with Asuka tonight, and it will be a treat to watch him get his ass handed to him by the Empress of Tomorrow.

But if you want a segment that has show-stealing potential, look no further than the New Day’s pancake-eating contest. I can’t choose a winner among Big E, Xavier Woods, and Kofi Kingston (just kidding, it’s obviously Big E), but I’m not even sure we’ll have a winner anyway. The Miz has been busy hating on the beloved pancake, though he isn’t the only person in the SmackDown Live locker room who could interrupt the trio.

Lana and Naomi could form a “Ravishing Glow” tag team after their interaction last week, so I wonder if we’ll see them in a segment together tonight. As for Andrade “Cien” Almas, I wonder what the plan is for him.

Tune in to the USA Network at 8 p.m. ET for SmackDown Live, and check back here for live highlights, grades, and analysis on the show.